BATTLE LINES DRAWN

Very interesting day! With weather patterns constantly changing, the morning always begins with what each person heard. Of course that depends on what station you were listening to, watching or what your own reading said. Maybe snow, maybe not. I’m still surprise at how hard it is to predict costal weather.

For me it was interesting because I spent much of the morning with Maria. I took her to her doctor and then on to get a transit application for handicapped bus service. She needs it so I hope it works for her.

It was a normal morning until the return home. I do not know what trigger the conversation, but I got a completely different side of the Chas – Olivia story. This report was all about how wrong Chas was and what he did to hurt Olivia. As Sergeant Schultz always said, “Interesting, Very interesting.” Indeed.

I decided not to challenge anything she said or argue with her but to play dumb and ask gently and leading questions. She would like just thinking she knew more than I. Whenever there is conflict and there is never a totally innocent party. Guilt seems to always spread around to all parties. This perspective put it all on Chas’ shoulders. He is a rotten, good for nothing, miserable human being — or so I am to believe. Olivia is a sweet, innocent, crushed human spirit because of the anger and harassment of this man.

I now see them both as completely split personalities.

Nearly all of Maria’s attack on Chas came from his time living in the other building. I agree he was a nasty and angry man. He seemed to be in an argument with someone all the time and there was very few of his words that were kind. He was under attack often, but he always gave it right back. Now that I know him better I am very aware of how much he has changed, however, maybe not enough.

Yes she did file a restraining order and according to Maria it was in force. Chas most likely contributed to that rumor because he over reacted (like usual) seeing certain words and not reading the entire paper. Olivia had no choice. She believes she was falsely blamed for things that were his fault and believed the management wanted her out of here. She had no choice but to seek a court order. Right!

Chas is loud, — Olivia is sneaky. Chas over reacts — Olivia manipulates. Chas has a habit of talking too much — Olivia is a gossip who does not always tell the truth. What I really learned from our discussion today is that Maria has a very bad memory and had bought in completely to Olivia’s story. Sides are being chosen, battle lines drawn, weapons being developed, gray and blue uniforms are being sewn, forts are being built, councils are meeting and couriers are moving secrets and plans back and forth behind enemy lines.

Meanwhile, I am forming my own country that will remain neutral. I am going to call it Switzerland-O-Lakes.